Amity Veterinary Care

07/06/2026

Pay your taxes!

Echo looked at his guardian expectantly, tail wagging. “Sit!” she said and he promptly placed his bottom on the ground. In doing so, he received a word of compliment, a stroke behind his ears (which he loves) and a treat. “Go Fetch!” she commanded, throwing his toy a few metres away. He ran, grabbed it between his jaws, and laid it at her feet. Similarly, he received compliments, caresses at his favourite spot and another treat. “Spin!” she instructed. He spun two circles and earned his rewards like before.

To acquire his rewards, Echo had to do certain things like sitting, retrieving and spinning on command. He had to ‘pay his taxes’ to gain his fruits of labour. Nothing came free for him.

In your life, do you pay taxes? Are you aware of how much tax you pay? How do you feel about paying those taxes? As your income taxes come due, you might be like many people – complaining about what you have to fork over to the government. Forty percent of everything I make goes to these people? And for what?

Do you see the value or resent the idea of it? Do you try to evade or avoid paying your taxes? Do you realise that tax evasion is possible but not probable and for those who got caught (most of them) would wish they paid the taxes, to begin with? And the only way to avoid paying taxes is not earning the money in the first place which leaves you in a poorer situation.

First off, taxes go to a lot of programs and services you almost certainly take for granted. Second, do you think you’re so special? People have been complaining about their taxes for thousands of years, and now they are dead. Get over it. Third, this is a good problem to have. Far better than, say, making so little there is nothing left to pay the government or living in anarchy and having to pay for every basic service in a struggle against nature.

But more importantly, income taxes are not the only taxes you pay in life. They are just the financial form. Just like death and change, paying taxes in your life is the only other constant. Everything we do has a toll attached to it. Waiting around is a tax on travelling. Rumours and gossip are the taxes that come from acquiring a public persona. Disagreements and occasional frustration are taxes placed on even the happiest of relationships. Theft is a tax on abundance and having things that other people want. Wastage is a tax on produce on a larger scale. Stress, failure and problems are tariffs that come attached to success. And on and on and on.

Before you start to resent paying your taxes for life, consider the alternative. If you do not want to wait ever, you will not travel. If you do not want rumours and gossip, you will stay small and unnoticed. If you do not want disagreements and frustration, you will not have relationships. If you do not want theft, you will have minimal belongings and not have anything that others may crave. If you do not want wastage, you will stay small-scale so everything can be accounted for. If you do not want stress, failure and problems, you will not choose success or be successful. Which is the larger price to pay? Which is the worse cost to bear? For many, the lack of tax in those areas may bring more pain than the taxes involved.

Evading those taxes is also futile. In many situations, it is either impossible to evade them or the cost of evading them is even higher than the tax themselves.

Know that there are many forms of taxes in life. You can argue with them, you can even go to great – but ultimately futile – lengths to evade them, or you can simply pay them and enjoy the fruits of what you get to keep.

It is a privilege to be paying taxes. It means that you are doing something worthwhile and of value. No one (including the universe) would tax you if there was no value. The more taxes you pay, the more value you are providing and subsequently, receiving. Be grateful to be paying taxes. Not many are that lucky!

Echo understands all about paying his taxes to receive what he desires. Do you?

‘Nothing will ever befall me that I will receive with gloom or a bad disposition. I will pay my taxes gladly. Now, all the things which cause complain or dread are like the taxes of life – things from which, my dear Lucilius, you should never hope for exemption or seek escape.’ – Seneca, Moral Letters, 96.2

06/06/2026

Dog vaccines Part 1

There are several dog diseases which we can protect our pets from with routine vaccines, here is some information on diseases we vaccinate for.
Distemper
What is it?
Distemper is an infectious disease of dogs, also known as "hardpad". It is a very serious condition, and has a mortality rate of approximately 50%; in addition, even dogs who survive and appear to recover may develop symptoms later in life due to the original infection.
What causes it?
Distemper is caused by Canine Distemper Virus - a viral infection closely related to measles. Dogs can contract it by accidentally inhaling or swallowing fluid droplets from an infected dog (produced by the infected dog sneezing them out, but also in the vomit, diarrhoea and urine). Foxes and other wildlife may act as a reservoir for the virus, accounting for sporadic outbreaks in unprotected dogs.
What dogs are at risk?
Any unvaccinated dog is at risk from Distemper; however, if the percentage of dogs in the area that are vaccinated is high enough, the risk is relatively low as the virus will not be able to become established in the population. The more people who choose not to vaccinate however, the higher the risk is for everyone's pets.
What are the symptoms?
Initially, there is a fever, which peaks within a week and may not be noticed. However, a few days later it returns, also causing a runny nose and runny eyes; this is rapidly followed by vomiting and diarrhoea, and a thickening of the skin on the footpads (hence "hardpad"). Some dogs will develop infection of the brain and spinal cord, causing wobbliness, paralysis, seizures or a coma, About half of all infected dogs will die or need to be put to sleep, but this may take weeks or even months. In recovered dogs, some will have damage to their eyesight or persistent neurological problems and a certain percentage seem to be fine but will go on to develop "Old Dog Encephalitis", a degenerative brain disease in later life. This usually causes seizures or a "dementia-like" syndrome.

How is it diagnosed?
Clinical disease is relatively rare nowadays; however, compatible symptoms in an unvaccinated dog are highly suggestive. Confirmation of the diagnosis usually requires virus isolation in a specialist lab from blood, fluid or tissue samples.
How can it be treated or managed?
There is no specific treatment available; the standard treatment is supportive (e.g. with fluids) and symptomatic relief (e.g. antiemetic drugs for vomiting, or anticonvulsants for seizures). Antibiotics are often used to help prevent secondary infections which may in themselves prove fatal. At all times, however, the infected dog must be kept in quarantine, away from other dogs, to minimise the risk of transmission of the infection.
Can it be prevented?
Yes - the modern Distemper vaccine is very effective, and once the primary course (2 injections 2-4 weeks apart, then a booster at 12 months) is completed, only needs topping-up every 3 years (to ensure that protection is maintained in the vast majority of dogs).
What do I do if I want to know more?
To find out more, give us a call on 01626 247888

02/06/2026

🌞 HOT WEATHER = EXTRA CARE FOR OUR PETS 🐶🐱

If the pavement’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws! 🐾🔥

As much as our pets love sunny adventures, warm weather can quickly become dangerous. Heatstroke is a serious emergency and can happen faster than you think, especially in flat-faced breeds, older pets, and fluffy companions.

🚨 Signs of heatstroke can include:
💨 Excessive panting
💤 Lethargy or weakness
🤢 Drooling or vomiting
👅 Bright red gums or tongue
😵 Wobbling or collapse

☀️ Top tips to keep pets safe:
💧 Always provide fresh water
🌳 Stick to shady walks early morning or evening
🚗 Never leave pets in cars, even “just for 5 minutes.”
🧊 Cooling mats, frozen treats & paddling pools = pet-approved summer fun!

Remember: dogs don’t need a sun tan… they already look fabulous 🕶️🐕

If you’re worried your pet may be overheating, contact your vet immediately.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and give your pets an extra belly rub from us 💙

01/06/2026

Manifestation of Fear

Last week, I saw a nervous dog. The owner had mentioned that he was nervous before the consultation so we were prepared. When the dog first saw me at the waiting area, he started barking and was lunging towards me. In the consultation room, I chatted with his owner, ignoring him. He approached me, sniffing extremely tentatively. I offered him treats which he took it readily. I seemed to be making progress. His tail was wagging but still extremely cautious. When I finished treating him (6 pieces in all), he waited for 2 seconds and decided that I was a not friendly and started barking and lunging again.

I knew he was not angry at me (as he barely knew me!) and yet, he displayed such aggression. I knew it came from nervousness and fear translating to seemingly anger. How often in life do we exhibit anger and irritation that had arisen from fear?

When I was a child, I remember my mother telling me off for not letting her know where I was. At that time, I thought she was angry at me but now I realised that it was due to fear of any mishap happening to me.

When I look back at various episodes in my life where I experienced anger or when someone had been angry at me, I can almost trace it back to the initial emotion of fear (possibly not every single episode but certainly 95% of them). There is the fear of losing a loved one, fear of losing one’s identity, fear of losing face, fear of losing power, fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, fear of the future, fear of the past repeating itself and many more others.

It can be very misleading to others when the anger is displayed as they may not understand or have the ability to comprehend that the anger has arisen from fear, not because one if truly angry with them. Many conflicts have arisen from fear. Wars have been started because of fear.

Fear is truly the mind killer. Different people manifest fear differently. Some show aggression, some show withdrawal, some talk excessively, some show physical signs like biting nails, some become overfriendly and some put on a front.

It is important to recognize these manifestations as it can help you understand that the individual is actually fearful and addressing the fear may increase the chance of a positive outcome. It is not easy to accept that the individual is not really angry at you. The circumstances and situation may be much more complicated than that. It could stem from bad past experiences, low self esteem and fear of various issues.

On the other hand, if we fail to understand the basis of the behaviour and purely take it at face value, we may react thinking it is personal. This may escalate the situation and increase the chance of a negative outcome. The approach is extremely similar whether it is a dog or a person showing signs of aggression due to fear.

Fear causes irrational actions. Are we able to curb our fears or at least recognize when we are fearful and be more mindful in our actions? Are we able to understand that it is not the dog’s intention to attack though it may appear that way but it is actually showing its defence?

‘Fear is the mind killer’ – Leto in ‘Children of Dune’

30/05/2026

Cat Vaccines Part 3
There are several cat diseases which we can protect our pets from with routine vaccines, here is some information on diseases we vaccinate for.
FELV
What is it?
FeLV is Feline Leukaemia Virus, a retrovirus of cats that attacks their immune system. Although in some ways FeLV is similar to FIV ("Feline AIDS"), they are in fact completely different viruses.
What causes it?
The FeLV virus is relatively common in unvaccinated cats (perhaps as many as 8% of cats carrying it). When a cat is infected (by bites, shared feed bowls, litter trays or even mutual grooming), the virus starts to attack the white blood cells. The cat's immune system will usually stop this rapid replication, but eventually the immune system itself is damaged, and stops working properly. In addition, the virus can trigger infected cells to become cancerous, causing leukaemia, lymphoma and (occasionally) sarcomas.

What cats are at risk?
Unvaccinated cats who come into even casual contact with infected carriers. Indoor cats are relatively safe, unless infected animals are introduced (or come in of their own accord).
What are the symptoms?
In the early stages of the disease, there are usually no symptoms - only when the immune system has been severely damaged, months or years after infection, do symptoms become visible. Immunosuppressive disease (i.e. disease caused by collapse of the immune system) may present in a range of different forms, but often include runny noses, sore eyes, persistent diarrhoea, sores in the mouth or gums, chronic skin or ear infections, or an unexplained fever or weight loss. In all cases, minor low-grade infections develop rapidly and may even become life-threatening. Neoplastic Disease (due to the development of virus-induced cancers) typically cause weight loss, obvious masses (e.g. swollen glands), diarrhoea, or anaemia. Sometimes, there may also be neurological signs (wobbliness or even seizures) if a tumour forms in the nervous system.
How is it diagnosed?
There is a simple blood test that can be carried out at your vet's practice to confirm whether a cat is carrying FeLV (and they'll usually test for FIV at the same time).
How can it be treated or managed?
There is no cure for the disease. In the case of a cat who is incubating the disease but has not yet developed symptoms, it is really important to isolate them from at-risk cats - ideally by keeping them alone as indoor cats. This will also reduce their exposure to other diseases that may take advantage of their weakened immune system. The use of human anti-AIDS drugs may slow down the development of disease, but these drugs are difficult to dose safely in cats, and will not clear the virus completely.
Can it be prevented?
Yes, there is a highly effective vaccine available as an optional part of your cat's routine boosters.
What do I do if I want to know more?
To find out more, give us a call on 01626 247888

30/05/2026

Dear Amity Family,

Have you explored our website lately? It's packed with tools, information, and insights designed to help you and your pet get the very best care.

Here are a few hidden gems worth discovering:

🐾 Book Appointments Online – Quick and easy. Just click the top right corner of the website.

🐾 Not sure if your pet needs a vet? Try our 'Symptoms Checker' in the top left corner for guidance.

🐾 Discover what makes us Fear Free® – Click the Fear Free logo to learn how we reduce stress and anxiety for pets during visits.

Want to dig a little deeper?

👨‍⚕️ Meet the people behind the care – Visit 'Our Family' to get to know our team.

📊 See how we operate – We believe in transparency. Explore our practice financials in 'Our Family'.

💬 Hear it from other pet owners – Visit 'What Others Say' to see real experiences from our clients and get a genuine feel for who we are, not just what we advertise.

There's more to Amity than veterinary care—take a look around and discover what makes our family different.

Have a fabulous day! Sun's out (for now!)!!

Through Education, we Empower You to become your pet’s hero. From local emergency services to unlimited consultations (Yup! Never pay for a consultation again!), we have a membership to suit […]

29/05/2026

"It gives me a piece of mind, confidence when I bring my pet on here".

It's always a pleasure seeing Douglas and his wonderfully dedicated guardians.

Would you and your pets like to feel like Stephen and Douglas? BECOME A MEMBER NOW AND JOIN OUR AMITY FAMILY.

We are currently open for registrations. More information can be found at www.amityvets.co.uk

Empowering You Through Education...Family Matters

Amity Culture - Provide Value 1st

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE47PrVemcs

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/som...
License code: BASFNXQ4JRT34YFK

BECOME A MEMBER NOW AND JOIN OUR AMITY FAMILY.

"It gives me a piece of mind, confidence when I bring my pet on her...

28/05/2026

Beautiful Casper, the miniature dachshund, came to see us at Amity for his weigh and worm appointment 🐾 Such a sweet, gentle little boy who loves everyone he meets 💙

Miniature dachshunds may be small, but they’re full of personality!

26/05/2026

🐾 Prescription of the day: one furry cuddle, two slobbery kisses, and unlimited tail wags 🐶🐱💙

Did you know pets can do wonders for your mental health? Whether it’s a cat curling up on your lap after a long day or a dog acting like you’ve been gone for 7 years instead of 7 minutes, our pets have a magical way of making life feel a little brighter ✨

Studies show pets can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, encourage exercise, and even help us feel less lonely. Plus, talking to your pet absolutely counts as therapy… especially when they’re excellent listeners 👀🐾

So today, take a moment to appreciate your four-legged therapist and give them an extra treat from us 🦴💕

Drop a photo of your pet in the comments, we’d love to see the faces behind all that happiness! 📸 (Here's one of my boys as a kitten 🥹)

25/05/2026

Family

Rosie sat by her guardian watching all the dogs play. She was waiting for her playmate, Rory, who was also her brother from the same litter. They had been playing since they were born. The guardians were siblings who walked them together often. They enjoyed walking in the woods, in the park, along the beach, and in the moors.

Rory arrived shortly but he was not alone. There was another dog with him. His guardian had just adopted another dog, River. Rosie could see the two of them playing, running, and tumbling together, it was a marvellous sight to see. She woofed at them. Both dogs looked up and raced towards her, Rory taking the lead and returning the woof with joyful barks. River hung back a bit, unsure of her. Rory and Rosie greeted each other like usual, sniffing and licking. Rosie then walked over to River, whom she had seen playing with her brother. Rory stood back lazily, as though thinking, “He is safe, fun, and my new friend. He can join the family!”

Rosie sniffed River a bit and licked him on the face. He licked back and started to play together with Rory joining in. Before long, the three of them were running, tumbling, and playing as dogs do. Rosie had her family with her, one natural, another acquired. All were family nonetheless.

No one was born alone. Someone else had to be involved for us to exist. If you are lucky, you grew up with your parents and siblings. Perhaps, you did not know your parents and/or had no siblings. Still, you have friends you consider family. Sometimes your friends are closer to you than your family. You know that you can choose your friends but not your family. Does your family support you, drive you mad, or a bit of both? Can you not wait to see them come or see them go? Do they bring you joy and energy or despair and leave you drained?

Family, natural or acquired, can have a profound influence on you and your growth. It is your tribe, someone, or a group of people who have access to your deepest emotions and feelings. Their circumstances and actions affect you. Their lives are intertwined with yours. What happens to them will affect you somehow. They are not like random acquaintances that pass you by in life. It could be the family you were born into or people you chose to be family in your life. Either way, you care for them.

The word ‘family’ came into English in the fifteenth century. Its root lies in the Latin word famulus, “servant”. The first meaning in English was close to our modern word “household” — a group of individuals living under one roof that included blood relations and servants. Extending the term, it can encompass anyone we include in our lives, not necessarily purely blood relationships. Your family consists of people who love and support you, and the people whom you can confide in and trust.

The deeper the bond, the more it affects you. The amount of joy associated with them is proportional to the degree of sorrow inflicted by them. When someone happens to them, you feel it. When they attain an achievement, you celebrate with them and when they are sad, you cry with them. Humans thrive in tribes. They are your tribe. They are an important part of your life as they help you grow. When they bring you joy, you feel a sense of purpose and achievement. When they bring you sorrow, they help you grow as you learn more about life and yourself.

When you fall out with your family, it can be intense and painful. You feel there is a part of you ripped out and not easily mended. Sometimes it takes understanding, other times it takes patience. Most of the time, it takes courage. It takes courage to think and feel, “I want to right this wrong. I want to make up and feel the joy again.” Most of the time, when you resolve issues with your family, the bond deepens and the relationship is enriched. Unresolved issues can lead to lingering discomfort and pain. Many have unresolved relationship issues for their entire lives and never resolve them. Many tend to regret not resolving their issues when the other party was still alive. Don’t leave it too late!

When we die, we cannot bring our toys, money, and achievements with us. Our success in life is measured by the relationships we formed and the people whom we affected. The deeper the relationship, the bigger the difference your existence would have brought. We are impacted by events in our lives but none so much as the impact brought about by deep meaningful relationships with your family, natural or acquired.

Family is often like branches of a great big tree, they reach out in various directions, to different places, experiencing different emotions but they share the same roots. They can lift you up to allow you to fly like a lark and also drive you insane and make you scream (sometimes internally!) like a banshee. It is said that insanity is hereditary. You get it from your children. Parents could easily relate to that! However, you also know that you would not do without your family, your blood, be it natural or chosen. They are your tribe.

Some are born with a family. Others create their family as they live their lives. Remember the origin of the word family, be sure to serve your family. When you do so, you will find that you get what you give. Serve them well so you will be served well, probably not from them directly but by their existence and influence.

Rosie is rich to have Rory, her natural family, and River, her acquired one. How rich are you?

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Lilo, Hawaiian saying